Here’s why Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and Leny Yoro are wearing different kits from their Man Utd teammates in the game against Sabah.
A new Champions League sleeve patch made its debut at Old Trafford on Thursday night when Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and Leny Yoro wore a special kit during Manchester United’s game against Sabah.
Now, players playing in the Champions League for the first time will get a unique debut patch, thanks to a new idea from UEFA and the sports brand Fanatics. The patch features the word “debut” inside the Champions League’s famous ‘starball’ logo and is worn on the player’s sleeve.
After their first game, the patch is taken off and sent to Topps (a trading card company owned by Fanatics). They use it to create a unique trading card, which the player signs before it’s added to a collector’s pack.
Only players who actually play on the pitch get a patch — just being on the bench won’t count. But if a player comes on as a substitute for their first Champions League game, they qualify.
For example, Ayden Heaven was on the bench for United’s opener against Sabah. If coach Michael Carrick puts him in, his patch will become active.
Each card made from these patches will be one of a kind and could be worth a lot of money. Some rare cards have sold for more than £100,000 or even millions!
This idea will also be starting in the Women’s Champions League next season.
Arsenal’s new signing Illan Meslier hasn’t played in the Champions League yet, so he’s hoping to wear the patch soon after missing out against Napoli on Wednesday.
Other players like Zion Suzuki and Joao Gomes showed off the patch during Aston Villa’s 3-2 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday. Johan Manzambi, Modou Kéba Cisse, and Brian Madjo are also waiting for their chance.
Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz wore the patch in Liverpool’s game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Iliman Ndiaye had a special moment when he came on as a substitute against Porto. The attacking midfielder just joined Everton this summer and made his Champions League debut.
And as mentioned, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu proudly wore the special patch at Old Trafford on Thursday. Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Carlos Baleba are all waiting for their turn to wear it too!